Jordan goes out on loan for season to Bury
JORDAN WILLIAMS has been loaned to Bury for the season.
The 17-year-old impressed on debut in the Carabao Cup and German head coach David Wagner recognises he is primed for further development.
With Tommy Smith playing superbly at right back in the Premier League team, Florent Hadergjonaj signed on season-long loan from Ingolstadt to provide competition and Martin Cranie soon to return as back-up for all the defensive positions, opportunities at Town right now are limited.
Wagner was keen for England Youth cap Williams to get senior experience this season, but made it clear that it wouldn’t be in non-league football, where so many young professionals are blooded these days.
Town have a recall clause in the January transfer window.
Asked before the move if the arrival of Hadergjonaj made it more likely Williams would leave on loan, Wagner explained the situation.
“To be fair, before the game (against Rotherhamin the Carabao) I knew it was probable we would sign Flo and this didn’t make my decision more likely or less likely,” he said of the Meltham-based Academy product and former Honley High student.
“But I do think it is best for Jordan Williams to give him on loan – if we can find the right club for him. We have to find a club where there is a manager who works with him, where he plays a style that suits his strengths and where he gets minutes.
“So if we find the right club, I think it’s the right thing to give Jordan Williams on loan.”
Town had six players out on loan previously – Sean Scannell to Burton, Rekeil Pyke to Port Vale, Jordy Hiwula to Fleetwood, Jack Payne to Oxford United, Fraser Horsfall to Gateshead and Tareiq Holmes-Dennis to Portsmouth, although he is out for the season injured.
Williams played all 90 minutes in the 2-1 victory over Rotherham, which booked Town a third-round Cup tie at Crystal Palace.
“Jordan has played so far Under 23 football and has shown that he has quality,” added Wagner.
“But I think between the Premier League and Under 23 level there is a gap and, inbetween this gap, we have to find a club that suits him.
“This is our aim, the window is still open and I hope we will find the right club.
“I know there is a lot of interest in Jordan Williams and now we have to make the decision on which is the right club for him.”
Wagner made it clear he would consider only league football for Williams, who comes under the wing of ex-Town boss Lee Clark and who could play against Rochdale today.